Martha Bennett learned many of her recipes from her grandmother, who died a few years ago at age 105. The recipes, neatly handwritten on 3x5 note cards, include the raw relish that makes the grilled cheese sandwich come to life at Momo’s Cafe, which Bennett has operated for almost seven years.

“When she died in 2012, they sort of threw the recipes at me and I started using them,” Bennett said. “These are the recipes I grew up with and they are so neat to read. They’re very distinctive — rather than tell you how much vinegar to use, she will tell you that you need to determine that based on how strong the vinegar is, whether you use 5 cups or 7.”

The relish — which includes cabbage, carrots, bell peppers and onions — adds a tangy taste to any dish. The ingredients are chopped and then ground (“double-processed,” Bennett said), then brined and strained overnight. They are not cooked (hence, “raw relish”), but she adds white vinegar once they are ready.

One of the dishes the relish accentuates is a grilled cheese that features Brie, swiss and cheddar, along with a homemade bruschetta. It is grilled on Jewish Challah bread, which has the density to hold up long enough for all of the cheeses to melt.

“I don’t like to use bread that flattens too much,” Bennett said. “For the cheese to melt properly, the bread has to grill properly.”

Momo’s is hidden away in the ground floor of an office building behind the movie theater in Newport News’ City Center. It is open weekdays for breakfast and lunch, with a casual, eclectic decor and a friendly ambiance.

“We try to do everything right here with our own recipes,” said Bennett, who also offers a variety of desserts and baked goods.